12-Day Botswana Birding Safari with Chobe, Okavango and Savute

12 Days Round trip from Kasane Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Search the Chobe floodplains and teak forests for Schalow's Turaco, Racket-tailed Rollers, Rosy-throated Longclaw, and seasonal migrants
02 Watch Carmine Bee-eaters riding on Kori Bustards across the Savute Marsh
03 Explore the Okavango Panhandle by boat and on island walks for Pel's Fishing Owl, African Skimmers, Wattled Cranes, and Botswana's kingfishers
04 Spend time at Leroo La Tau's bird hide and the Boteti edge for sandgrouse, francolins, bustards, korhaans, pipits, and larks
05 Travel with a specialist birding host and private guides focused on maximising sightings and time with the region's special birds

From December to March, Botswana's migratory birds arrive en masse, making this an exceptional safari for keen birders. Travel with a specialist birding host through the Chobe floodplains, Savute Marsh, the Okavango Panhandle, and the outskirts of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi in search of key regional species, remarkable birding behaviour, and spectacular scenery. Along the way, enjoy game viewing as well as birding across habitats ranging from floodplains and teak forests to papyrus-lined channels, islands, grasslands, and arid pans. The itinerary is designed to maximise time in the field and adapt to each group's birding preferences.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Maun, Chobe National Park, Kasane, Makgadikgadi Pan, Nxai Pan National Park, Okavango Delta

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Chobe Game Lodge and Chobe Riverfront Birding

Stay: Chobe Game Lodge
Birding: Move between the well-renowned Chobe floodplains for sightings of Rosy-throated Longclaw and the possibility of seasonal migrants such as Denham's Bustard, Crowned Crane, and Black Coucals.
Birding: Venture inland to the teak forests in search of Racket-tailed Rollers, Stierling's Wren-Warblers, Brown Firefinch, and African Cuckoo Hawks.
Birding: Expect frequent sightings of Schalow's Turaco and plenty of White-crowned Lapwings along the Chobe River's edge.
Birding: Spend time on the outskirts of Chobe National Park, picking up the Collared Palm-Thrush, Rock Pratincoles, and occasional Bat Hawk sightings.
Our favourite birding experience: Watching Broad-billed Rollers hunting flying ants from the Chobe Game Lodge boardwalk at dusk.

Day 02

More Birding Along the Chobe Riverfront

Stay: Chobe Game Lodge
Birding: Move between the well-renowned Chobe floodplains for sightings of Rosy-throated Longclaw and the possibility of seasonal migrants such as Denham's Bustard, Crowned Crane, and Black Coucals.
Birding: Venture inland to the teak forests in search of Racket-tailed Rollers, Stierling's Wren-Warblers, Brown Firefinch, and African Cuckoo Hawks.
Birding: Expect frequent sightings of Schalow's Turaco and plenty of White-crowned Lapwings along the Chobe River's edge.
Birding: Spend time on the outskirts of Chobe National Park, picking up the Collared Palm-Thrush, Rock Pratincoles, and occasional Bat Hawk sightings.
Our favourite birding experience: Watching Broad-billed Rollers hunting flying ants from the Chobe Game Lodge boardwalk at dusk.

Day 03

Final Chobe Floodplains and Forest Birding

Stay: Chobe Game Lodge
Birding: Move between the well-renowned Chobe floodplains for sightings of Rosy-throated Longclaw and the possibility of seasonal migrants such as Denham's Bustard, Crowned Crane, and Black Coucals.
Birding: Venture inland to the teak forests in search of Racket-tailed Rollers, Stierling's Wren-Warblers, Brown Firefinch, and African Cuckoo Hawks.
Birding: Expect frequent sightings of Schalow's Turaco and plenty of White-crowned Lapwings along the Chobe River's edge.
Birding: Spend time on the outskirts of Chobe National Park, picking up the Collared Palm-Thrush, Rock Pratincoles, and occasional Bat Hawk sightings.
Our favourite birding experience: Watching Broad-billed Rollers hunting flying ants from the Chobe Game Lodge boardwalk at dusk.

Day 04

Savute Safari Lodge and Savute Marsh Birding

Stay: Savute Safari Lodge
Morning: Wake up to sunrise tea/coffee and explore the moon-like landscape before a light breakfast.
Birding: Birding from Savute will be done on game-drive vehicles, exploring the range of birding environments.
Birding: Carmine Bee-eaters are frequently observed riding on the backs of Kori Bustards moving through the Savute Marsh.
Birding: Look out for a host of raptors, pratincoles, and seedeaters.
Birding: Enjoy birdwatching from the lodge itself, with the permanent waterhole attracting thousands of pratincoles at certain times of the season.
Our favourite birding experience: Thousands of Black-winged and Collared Pratincoles congregate along the seasonal pans and waterholes. It is a sight to behold as they care for their nests and hunt in the air.

Day 05

Another Day in the Savute Region

Stay: Savute Safari Lodge
Morning: Wake up to sunrise tea/coffee and explore the moon-like landscape before a light breakfast.
Birding: Birding from Savute will be done on game-drive vehicles, exploring the range of birding environments.
Birding: Carmine Bee-eaters are frequently observed riding on the backs of Kori Bustards moving through the Savute Marsh.
Birding: Look out for a host of raptors, pratincoles, and seedeaters.
Birding: Enjoy birdwatching from the lodge itself, with the permanent waterhole attracting thousands of pratincoles at certain times of the season.
Our favourite birding experience: Thousands of Black-winged and Collared Pratincoles congregate along the seasonal pans and waterholes. It is a sight to behold as they care for their nests and hunt in the air.

Day 06

Nxamaseri Island Lodge and the Okavango Panhandle

Stay: Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Arrival: After arriving at Nxamaseri, head out on nature walks on the islands and go out on a boat to find the birds of the region.
Optional: Opportunity for those who would like to spend a night out at Tsodilo Hills sleep-out camp. This is included at no extra charge.
Activity: Discover the ancient Bushman rock paintings here.
Activity: Drive across unique Kalahari terrain and walk through the hills and arid vegetation for species endemic to this area, such as Bradfield's Hornbill.
Birding: Exposed sandbanks host large flocks of African Skimmers and hundreds of waders.
Birding: Papyrus-lined channels, floodplains, and islands full of thick forests present perfect habitats for special birds of the Okavango region, such as Greater Swamp Warbler, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Chirping and Lapula Cisticola, Wattled Cranes, Pel's Fishing Owl, and all the Botswana kingfisher species.

Day 07

Island Walks and Boat Birding in the Panhandle

Stay: Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Birding: Enjoy nature walks on the islands and go out on a boat to find the birds of the region.
Optional: Opportunity to spend a night out at Tsodilo Hills sleep-out camp, included at no extra charge.
Birding: Exposed sandbanks host large flocks of African Skimmers and hundreds of waders.
Birding: Papyrus-lined channels, floodplains, and islands full of thick forests present perfect habitats for special birds of the Okavango region, such as Greater Swamp Warbler, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Chirping and Lapula Cisticola, Wattled Cranes, Pel's Fishing Owl, and all the Botswana kingfisher species.

Day 08

More Okavango Panhandle Birding

Stay: Nxamaseri Island Lodge
Birding: Enjoy nature walks on the islands and go out on a boat to find the birds of the region.
Optional: Opportunity to spend a night out at Tsodilo Hills sleep-out camp, included at no extra charge.
Birding: Exposed sandbanks host large flocks of African Skimmers and hundreds of waders.
Birding: Papyrus-lined channels, floodplains, and islands full of thick forests present perfect habitats for special birds of the Okavango region, such as Greater Swamp Warbler, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Chirping and Lapula Cisticola, Wattled Cranes, Pel's Fishing Owl, and all the Botswana kingfisher species.

Day 09

Leroo La Tau and the Boteti Riverbed

Stay: Leroo La Tau
Birding: Spend time along the dry Boteti riverbed for seasonal waders that follow the rainwater collecting in the riverbed, and head out into the arid regions of Nxai Pans.
Wildlife/Birding: See a number of korhaans, bustards, larks, and pipits.
Wildlife: The transformation of the parched Kalahari into lush grasslands attracts thousands of migratory zebra and wildebeest.
Birding: Look for many vulture sightings at kills, a range of insectivorous species following the migration, and pans and waterholes attracting sandgrouse and francolins in vast numbers.
Bird hide: A wonderful bird hide inside the property is perfect for late-afternoon birding from the edge of the Boteti.
Our favourite birding experience: Spending time at the inland waterholes watching hundreds of Burchell's and Double-banded Sandgrouse flock in to collect water and travel back miles and miles to their young.
Our favourite birding experience: It has to be the sightings we get of the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl. Such an impressive bird, and so special to see it in its prime habitat.

Day 10

Birding the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans Region

Stay: Leroo La Tau
Birding: Spend time along the dry Boteti riverbed for seasonal waders that follow the rainwater collecting in the riverbed, and head out into the arid regions of Nxai Pans.
Wildlife/Birding: See a number of korhaans, bustards, larks, and pipits.
Wildlife: The transformation of the parched Kalahari into lush grasslands attracts thousands of migratory zebra and wildebeest.
Birding: Look for many vulture sightings at kills, a range of insectivorous species following the migration, and pans and waterholes attracting sandgrouse and francolins in vast numbers.
Bird hide: A wonderful bird hide inside the property is perfect for late-afternoon birding from the edge of the Boteti.

Day 11

Final Safari at Leroo La Tau

Stay: Leroo La Tau
Birding: Spend time along the dry Boteti riverbed for seasonal waders that follow the rainwater collecting in the riverbed, and head out into the arid regions of Nxai Pans.
Wildlife/Birding: See a number of korhaans, bustards, larks, and pipits.
Wildlife: The transformation of the parched Kalahari into lush grasslands attracts thousands of migratory zebra and wildebeest.
Birding: Look for many vulture sightings at kills, a range of insectivorous species following the migration, and pans and waterholes attracting sandgrouse and francolins in vast numbers.
Bird hide: A wonderful bird hide inside the property is perfect for late-afternoon birding from the edge of the Boteti.

Day 12

Departure from Maun

Finish: The trip finishes at Maun International Airport for onward travel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Kasane 6 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

The package includes stays at four Desert & Delta Safaris properties across key ecosystems:
Chobe Game Lodge: Situated within Chobe National Park.
Savute Safari Lodge: Located on the edge of the renowned Savute Marsh.
Nxamaseri Island Lodge: Set on a secluded island in the Okavango Panhandle.
Leroo La Tau: Positioned along the Boteti Riverbed, on the fringe of the Kalahari.
Privately guided safaris: Conducted by specialist guides with extensive regional and birding expertise.
Birding at dawn and dusk: Scheduled to coincide with peak bird activity.
Delta boat trips: Water-based safaris through papyrus-lined channels in search of rare species such as Pel's Fishing Owl and African Skimmers.
Nature walks: Guided walks on remote Delta islands.
Land-based game drives: Open 4x4 drives through Chobe, Savute, and the dry Boteti Riverbed.
Inter-camp transfers: All internal flights arranged via scheduled light aircraft charters between camps.
Meet and greet: Arrival and departure assistance at the main airports (Maun/Kasane).
All meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at all lodges.
Select drinks: Complimentary soft drinks, beers, and house wines.
Park fees: All national park entry and conservation fees.

What's Not Included

Main flights: International flights to and from Botswana, typically routing through Johannesburg, South Africa, or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, into Maun or Kasane.
Entry visas: Any visa costs required for entry into Botswana, depending on your nationality.
High-end drinks: Premium brand spirits, specialized cellared wines, and imported champagnes. House wines, local beers, and soft drinks are included.
Staff tips: Gratuities for your specialist birding guides, tracking spotters, and lodge hospitality staff.
Birding gear: Personal equipment such as binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, telephoto lenses, or field guidebooks.
Curio shopping: Souvenirs and personal purchases made at the lodge gift shops.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive medical, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance, highly recommended due to remote light aircraft travel.
Medical prep: Costs for preventative medication, such as anti-malarial prophylactics recommended for the Okavango Delta.

What to bring

Technical Birding and Photo Gear
Binoculars: Essential 8x42 or 10x42 optics. Waterproof binoculars are highly recommended for the Okavango Delta.
Camera with Telephoto Lens: A lens of at least 300mm to 600mm to capture distant or moving birds.
Lens Cleaning Kit: Microfiber cloths and a dust blower, as Botswana's desert and savanna zones are incredibly dusty.
Spare Batteries and Charger: Bring extra batteries, as cold morning drives can drain power quickly.
Southern Africa Field Guide: Sasol Birds of Southern Africa or Roberts Bird Guide, or download their official mobile apps before flying.
Earth Tones: Khaki, olive green, beige, or brown clothing to blend into the bush. Avoid bright colors, pure white, and dark blue/black, which attract biting tsetse flies.
Light Layers: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against both the sun and evening mosquitoes.
Warm Fleece or Windbreaker: Essential for freezing, breezy early morning boat trips and open 4x4 game drives.
Sturdy Walking Shoes: Comfortable, closed-toe trail shoes or light hiking boots for Delta island walks.
Wide-Brimmed Hat: Must have a chin strap to prevent it from blowing off in moving boats and vehicles.
High-Factor Sunscreen: Reef-safe, sweat-resistant SPF 30+ and lip balm.
Insect Repellent: Sprays containing DEET or Picaridin.
Polarized Sunglasses: Crucial for cutting water glare while searching for Pel's Fishing Owl and African Skimmers along the riverways.
Personal Medication: Anti-malarial prophylactics, strongly advised for the green season, and a basic personal first-aid kit.

Know before you go

Note: The itinerary includes a specialist birding host and private activities to ensure the ultimate experience for birders and the best sightings.
The length of the itinerary and regions chosen can be tailor-made according to the travellers' preferences.
We have access to a range of birding guides to suit different levels should the availability of our specialist host be limited.
Small groups are welcome, and reduced group rates apply.
Prime birding time is December - March, although other seasons are available and bird sightings may vary.
The itinerary can be customised according to the preferred length of trip, budget, and sighting preferences.
The Tsodilo Hills sleep-out camp can be added as a bespoke option to see ancient rock art.
Transfers from Victoria Falls or Livingstone can be arranged for an additional cost.